And United manager Alan Pardew is adamant that 17-year-old Freddie Woodman – who was on the bench at White Hart Lane – is NOT ready to start a senior game, let alone a fierce fixture against Sunderland.

An error from 21-year-old Alnwick led to Tottenham’s first goal, scored by Nabil Bentaleb.

Bentaleb swept the ball home in the 18th minute after Alnwick, starting only his second game for the club, dropped a corner from Christian Eriksen.

Nacer Chadli, Harry Kane and Roberto Soldado scored after the break to end the Magpies’ longest domestic cup run under Pardew.

“Jak was an ACL on his shoulder, so we’re going to have to see,” said Pardew. “There’s no way a 17-year-old (Woodman) should be allowed to go into a game at this level.

“Perhaps we’ll talk to the Premier League about the situation.”

Pardew said he and his players tried to lift Alnwick – who started his career at Sunderland – at the break after his first-half error.

“I think all of us in squad were so desperate at half-time to try to resurrect it for him,” said the 53-year-old.

“He was so unlucky on the second goal – it catches Colo’s heel.

“It’s a cruel game. Jak’s in the firing line. There’s a lot of pressure on him.”

Asked if Alnwick’s injury would have to be independently assessed before a loan was allowed, Pardew said: “I’m not sure, but the rules do allow a goalkeeper if you’ve only go one senior fit goalie.”